My name is Wahid Zia. I am collecting stamps since the last 37 years (1980). I created a blog which includes the information of Pakistan all stamps. W/W new issues & all issues of Pakistan from 1947 to date are available on this blog. I invite you to visit my blog and get useful information.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Children’s books – Norway

Norway Post issued a set of stamps Mormor og de åtte ungene (Grandma and the Eight Children) as stamp subject for Europa 2010.The first of the seven books in the series was published in 1957. The books are about a family who move from a tiny urban flat to a red cottage in the forest.

The author takes us back to a Norway where having a phone installed was an adventure and where it was possible to load Grandma and eight children on to the back of a truck and drive up to the mountains. Since there are so many of them and they live so closely together, Maren,Martin, Marte, Mads, Mona, Milly, Mina and Morten are a little more inventive than most children – like the time when little Morten invites four pigs for coffee in the neighbouring farmhouse parlour!

The first of nine books about Lillebror and Knerten appeared in 1962. Knerten is possibly Anne-Cath. Vestly’s best-known character and many children have found a good friend in him. He is actually a tree root that looks like a little boy, but for Lillebror he is a boy. Knerten is Lillebror’s best friend, someone to confide in and share things with. Knerten is faithful and kind, but is very clear about what he wants. This leads to many an argument.

Anne-Cath. Vestly had made her debut in 1953 with Ole Aleksander Filibom-bom-bom, which was followed by booksabout Aurora, about Guro, about Kaos, about Ellen Andrea and about Monrad. In these books she set the focus on current issues such as immigration, gender roles and solidarity and, in her positive story-telling way, also encouraged good attitudes in children. Norway’s stamps for this year’s Europa issue under the joint theme of Children’s books were illustrated by Anne-Cath. Vestly’s husband, Johan Vestly.